updated 11:11 am EDT, Tue May 22, 2012

VIA APC gets Android 2.3, 800MHz chip, $49 price tag

Taiwanese chipmaker VIA Technologies has introduced its APC computer, powered by Android 2.3. The Android PC system will cost just $49 and is based on a small footprint Neo-ITX mainboard. It is powered by a low-power WonderMedia ARM processor, rated at 800MHz.

Otherwise, there is 512MB of RAM and 2GB of flash storage onboard. The APC can output up to 720p resolution video over its HDMI port to a connected TV or monitor, and also gets a VGA output, four USB 2.0 ports, an audio output, and microphone input. An SD card slot allows for memory expansion.

The Android OS was customized to work better with keyboard and mouse input, while a browser and a number of other apps are preinstalled.

The APC can be mounted in a standard mini- or micro-ITX chassis. It consumes just 4W at idle and 13.5W at maximum load, or about 10 times less than a traditional PC.

Interested parties can now sign up for updates, with the first shipments promised to begin shipping in July.